C14 vs Busa vs Vmax

[speed545]

Hey guys,

first thing first, the C14 stays in the garage.
secundo,i never drove a Vmax or a Busa.

I was woundering how much of a WOW factor the Busa or the Vmax was over my concours.

Wanna keep the concours but want to get some other bike for some solo ride. But if there s not much difference, i ll save some $$$$$$$.

I was looking for a 05 plus Busa and a 2010 Vmax

Thx

Derry

[jasonc32amg]

It depends what you want. A zx14 or Hayabausa would be a serious difference, especially over 120. Just when the Connie starts to hit the wall the Zx14 and Busa settle in and stretch thier legs. You might also check out a B-king.

[sherob]

I got to look at a new Vmax close up... you'ld be dragging pegs often in twisties compared to the Busa or ZX14... even the Bking I think would do better in twisties.  Now the sound of that V4 of that Vmax is intoxicating.

[jjsC6]

I have not ridden a V-Max, but I have ridden a Busa and ZX-14.  At any speed they are night and day faster than a Concours.  If you are not used to something that fast, you'll be blown away by the acceleration.

[Pokey]

I will gladly take a Ducati Diavel over any of those!

[lemosley01]

There's a lot of difference - the ZX-14 pulls like crazy from any speed in almost any gear. You'll find yourself wondering why Kawasaki had to mess with the engine for the Concours - they should have just dropped it into the frame virtually unmodified (other than running a larger radiator with more cooling fans.

However, the comfort isn't there as with the Concours, so you may not be able to ride as far.

[Jeremy Mitchell]

I will gladly take a Ducati Diavel over any of those!

Haven't ridden a diavel yet but they are a good looking bike that is fast and can carve corners.


I have ridden a busa before and it was, dare I say "scary fast".  It felt like I was running 120ish within the blink of an eye.  But I would never ride that bike for more than 15 minutes.  Fun bike for taking to the strip though.

[booger]

I bought an 07 Busa new.  One of the better bikes I have ever owned.  Fast and stable.

Also bought an 09 ZX-10R, thinking it would be like my Busa.  Wrong.  Fast, but crappy ride.

As far as the WOW factor?  You will be amazed how slow and sluggish your Concours is!!!!!  By the Busa.

[Son of Pappy]

Find a well tuned ZX12R (Cheaper for one).  Busa beater all day long.  But, all of them wouldnt beat the 14 doing 120 all day long

[mjrfd99]

The Busa is my hyper tourer. Helibars, a ST windscreen, soft bags, exhaust, power commander and TRE make it right. The Busa, 14,12 are all way over most riders heads.
 Including mine

[martin_14]

Haven't ridden a diavel yet but they are a good looking bike that is fast and can carve corners.
I have ridden a busa before and it was, dare I say "scary fast".  It felt like I was running 120ish within the blink of an eye.  But I would never ride that bike for more than 15 minutes.  Fun bike for taking to the strip though.

Actually, the Diavel cannot carve corners that well because it is limited to 40° lean angle and in every round about I had to slow down (I had it for a couple of days for a long test drive). Now, regarding acceleration, it made the C14 look like a drunk snail. I haven't tried a Busa or a ZX-14 but I can't imagine a legal vehicle accelerating like that Ducati. And it looks freaking awesome!!!

[lt1]

May I suggest a Ninja 250R or a CBR250RR?  ... Pause for laughter to subside. ...

I'm actually very serious.  I picked up a 20+ year old Honda VTR250 and have been having an absolute blast playing with it.  I've ridden a few of the baby Ninjas, and they are lots of fun as well.  Not only are these lightweights a joy in and of themselves, when you get back on your C14, it feels once again like that amazing rocketship it was the first time you cranked it open. 

Personally, I think having a second bike that makes the C14 feel fast makes more sense than having a 2nd bike that makes the Connie feel slow.  There are a lot of marvelous bikes our there if you don't have to be the fastest thing on two wheels.  FWIW  YMMV ETC

[Z71]

I happen to have a Ninja 500 for some fun around town, and also own a B King.  Big difference between the Concours and B King power delivery.  Concours responds slower, as it is much heavier.   B King responds to throttle instantly and pulls like a freight train in every gear.  I like the more upright riding position.  Busa had way too aggressive riding position to be comfortable on it for more than a few minutes.  Getting back on the Nija 500 after riding the B King is like jumping on a 50 cc moped after riding the Ninja.

[AZBiker]

May I suggest a Ninja 250R or a CBR250RR?  ... Pause for laughter to subside. ...

I'm actually very serious.  I picked up a 20+ year old Honda VTR250 and have been having an absolute blast playing with it. 

I want to get a 200 or 250cc Honda or Kawi twin to do another SS1000.  I did a run with a friend back in '05 (never sent my paperwork in though).  It was just way too easy on my XLH883. 

Doing a SS1000 on a little air-cooled twin however...now THAT'S a challenge.

[rcannon409]

The diavel has abotu the same hp as a stock c14, although it is lighter.   

I had a 1985 v max. It was my shop bike and I was very happy when it was old out from under me.  The most worthless bike I ever owned since it was fast, btu good for nothing else.  Fast in a straight line.  The busa or zx 14 would be a fun bike to have in the garage since they will do other things besides go in a straight line.

Over the years I've been able to ride most, if not all, of the latest "wonder bikes"  I did not own them all, btu spent time with each even if it was only delivering to the rich guys house.  A person gets familiar with any bike they spend time with. That rush when the throttle opens goes away, or becomes normal.  Then your bike feels normal, everything else feels slow.  But nothign really feels fast. Just like the most exciting skydive is the first, then you start jumping at higher altitudes and pulling the cord later.

So, in picking a second bike, look for something good at something else besides acceleration. 

[Scaffolder]

I just saw a brand new 2009 or 2010 ZX14 for $8995 plus $600 or so on ebay. I thought that was a steal. CherryHill New Jersey.

[michelsmith]

VMax is easier to ride fast theory is quite questionable - as is the fourteens are harder to ride fast. My assessment from listening to the ride comments is that the VMax has real set-up issues - one with poor 60s that no one has been able to master - and second is traction - all this I can light it up on the street in 3 gears is good for show but bad for go. I run a stock wheelbase - well prepped 14 - and there are two things it does not do - it does not wheelie and it does not break the rear tire loose - and mine has quite a bit more juice than stock. Now I have overcome wheelies with tall gearing for land speed - but stock engine never pulled front end on me. With my current set up - I can run similar times on the street or track - as I am coming out of the hole soft with the heigher gearing - but in general - a fourteen is a very balanced easy to drag race bike......IMHO - Now Lee's 1.51 60 - that is pure skill and shows how fast a stock wheelbase 14 can go - softer launches can be accomplished successfully by less talented riders.